In a significant development for medical education in India, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), New Delhi, has released an important notice dated January 15, 2024, announcing the launch of new Post MBBS two-year Diploma courses. These courses, slated for the January/February 2024 cycle, are for the admission session of 2025.

The newly introduced diploma courses cover nine broad specialties, reflecting the diverse and critical areas of medical science. The specialties include Anesthesiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Radio Diagnosis, Tuberculosis & Chest Disease, and Emergency Medicine. This expansion in the range of specialties is a strategic step by NBEMS to enhance the scope and depth of medical training in the country.

In line with this announcement, NBEMS has called for applications from hospitals seeking accreditation to offer these Post MBBS two-year Diploma courses. The process for application emphasizes transparency and standardization. Detailed information regarding the application procedure, accreditation fee, and minimum accreditation criteria are provided in the Information Bulletin. Interested hospitals and institutions are advised to meticulously review the Information Bulletin for comprehensive guidelines. This document is accessible on the NBEMS website (www.natboard.edu.in) under the “Accreditation” link.

The application process for accreditation is entirely online, facilitated through the Online Accreditation Application Portal (OAAP), which can be accessed via the NBEMS website. The timeline for the application process is clearly outlined: the online submission of application forms begins on January 16, 2024, and the last date for online submission is March 15, 2024. Additionally, the final date for the receipt of the hard copy of the application form at the NBEMS office is set for March 29, 2024.

NBEMS has also set up a dedicated Communication portal for queries and assistance related to these new courses and the application process. This portal is part of the NBEMS’s commitment to providing support and information to applicants and can be accessed through the “Communication Web Portal” under the “Contact Us” menu on their website (https://natboard.edu.in).

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the advancement of medical education in India, offering a broader spectrum of specialized training opportunities for post-MBBS graduates. The NBEMS's commitment to expanding and enhancing medical education is evident in this latest effort to prepare a new generation of highly skilled medical professionals.